Coog Radio Blog Team’s Favorite Holiday Songs

As Christmas quickly approaches, a few of the Coog Radio bloggers submitted their favorite holiday songs, regardless of whether they are covers or originals of our favorite classics. The songs are not listed in any particular order. Cuddle up with a warm cup of hot chocolate next to the fireplace with loved ones this winter break, as you read through some of our favorite holiday songs!

“Last Christmas” by Jimmy Eat World

One of my favorite classic Christmas songs has to be “Last Christmas” by Wham! However, sometimes it can start to become a tad bit mundane each and every single time I hear it. So, I set out to find a cover of the song that gave an interesting twist on the sad love song. Lo and behold, “Last Christmas” by Jimmy Eat World gave me exactly what I was looking for. I wasn’t expecting to be drawn in by a rock-like Christmas song, but it gives me the nostalgia of Wham!’s “Last Christmas” while adding a bit of upbeat rock to it. I hope this song contributes to your Christmas and gives you the same feeling as well!

— Julia Ong

“Blue Christmas” by Elvis Presley

I chose this song because it’s a classic, and one of the only Christmas songs I can find tolerable. It may be cause I have been inoculated to Elvis’ music, due to my grandmother’s affinity for the King’s music. A great song and really worth a listen, if you’ve never, by some stretch of the imagination, heard this song.

— Waylon O’Day

“A Change At Christmas” by The Flaming Lips

This is a quite different Christmas song by The Flaming Lips. They bring home their indie feel with a relaxed vibe, and really give it a change at Christmas, in terms of music.

— Reza Mousavidin

“Please Come Home For Christmas” by Grace Potter & The Nocturnals

To be honest, working in retail for almost 10 years can make a person a real Grinch about any holiday. However, when my favorite band recorded a classic holiday tune back in 2011, I’ll lowkey admit that I will jam it for the month of December. Grace Potter has some pipes that can make any Grinch cheerful about the holiday season. Just don’t expect me to be wearing a tacky Christmas sweater or sipping eggnog while doing it.

— Madeline Robicheaux

“Little Saint Nick” by The Beach Boys
The Beach Boys + Christmas = pure perfection. This song makes me feel like I’m on a beach in California drinking hot chocolate and decorating a Christmas tree and that’s a really awesome feeling.

— Ayisha Mahama

“D**k in a Box” by The Lonely Island
This Lonely Island track is a staple for my holiday season. It’s so funny and catchy and gives wonderful advice to men as to what women want for Christmas (I’m joking).
— Corina Carrizales

“Winter Wonderland/Don’t Worry Be Happy” by Pentatonix ft. Tori Kelly
Nothing was the same after the phenomenal talents of Pentatonix and Tori Kelly joined forces for this holiday collaboration. We hear the same songs every year by various artists all trying to be different, but how many times have an acapella group and a vocalist with an unearthly voice come together to completely dominate a Christmas tune? Exactly. “Winter Wonderland/Don’t Worry Be Happy” is the mashup belonging in everyone’s holiday playlist and one of my favorite holiday songs. The addition of “Don’t Worry Be Happy” makes you feel a little less guilty for listening to Christmas tunes in the middle of July, too!

— Rae Tolbert

“Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” by Sam Smith

Try to listen to this song and not suddenly be in the holiday spirit. It’s nearly impossible. His warm, angelic vocals definitely does the song justice. All we need now is an entire holiday album from Sam Smith.

— Daisha Lewis

“Christmas Lights” by Coldplay
When this song plays, it will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions over the course of four minutes. It reminds me a bit of “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, but with a little Coldplay twist. Chris Martin’s vocals gently placed over the rest of the band’s instrumentation makes this song a true holiday spirit jam. When listening to this song, I feel like running into a pile of snow and making some snow angels; except I live in Texas and this may never happen, but one can dream!
— Rupal Mehta